On July 6, 2011 tragedy touched down at the 2011 Paragliding World Championships in Spain. Following two separate freak accidents, two well-respected fliers were pronounced dead. The next of kin of Argentina’s Francisco Vargas and Chile’s Eitel von Muhlenbrock have been notified of their tragic loss.
Rescue Attempts Unsuccessful in Saving Paragliders
In the first accident near Piedrahita, the 50-year-old Vargas was found unconscious by rescue crews after the crash but was not able to be revived. According to Spanish media, the Civil Guard was called to the scene but their rescue attempts were not successful.
Later that same day, 45-year-old von Muhlenbrock crashed near Avila. Once the emergency crew arrived via helicopter at the scene the medical staff reported that the flier had succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
In unrelated events, there were four other incidents on the very same day at the Paragliding Championships. Four individuals were forced to deploy their reserve parachutes and all landed safely.
This was definitely not the outcome nor media attention that the 2011 World Paragliding Championships were looking for. The international event was meant to draw the eyes of the world to view the best of the best in paragliding. The 12th Annual FAI World Paragliding Championships are being showcased in Piedrahita, Spain. Taking place between July 3rd and July 16th, these championships feature the top fliers from around the world showing off their prowess in the skies. Closing ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 16th. Those ceremonies will undoubtedly now be tinged with a bit of sadness over the fallen fliers.
Technology Transforming the Sport of Paragliding
The sport of paragliding has definitely changed over the years. Once barely more than throwing one’s self off a scenic bluff on a hope and a prayer, the fliers of today rely on technology and superior craftsmanship to keep them afloat. Modern gliders rely on sail fabrics made from high-tech fibers, carbon fiber integration, and lightweight aluminum infrastructure to remain airborne. With each passing season more and more advancements are made to not only ensure greater stability but to heighten the flying experience for the pilots.
The sad loss of the two brave pilots is only slightly softened by the knowledge that they died doing what they loved. They were soaring on the winds over Spain’s breathtaking landscape as enthralled onlookers gazed admiringly from below. May they rest in peace and forever continue to inspire those who dream of one day soaring on the winds just as they did.
